The Birmingham City Council in the UK has decided to set up an ‘India Desk’ to promote trade and cultural links with the South Asian country. ‘India Desk’ is being set to attract investment from leading Indian companies, including the Tata Group, and promote cultural links between the two sides, Mike Whitby, Leader of the Birmingham City Council, said here on Sunday.

He said he would soon lead a high-level business delegation to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. “I am looking forward to go to India,” he told PTI.

During the trip, the delegation will hold talks with Mr Singh, visit Jalandhar, Amritsar, Jallianwallah Bagh and the India-Pakistan Wagha border. He said Birmingham is also the gateway to Europe. “At present there is a direct flight between Amritsar and Birmingham City.” Birmingham has about 60,000 people of Indian origin and accounts  for 6 per cent of the city’s total population.

Indian students are amongst the highest number of overseas students studying at 3 universities in Birmingham, he said adding, “Birmingham City University - teacher training, and Aston-Business School have particularly strong links.”